By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns clinched a convincing 4-1 win against Durban City in a Betway Premiership clash at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng on Saturday evening.
The win takes Sundowns to top of the log with 26 points from their 10 matches. They go one point ahead of rivals Orlando Pirates who beat rivals Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium earlier in the day.
Sundowns broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Thabang Matuludi found the net following a clever assist from Marcelo Allende and ended 1-0 into interval.
At the restart of the second half, Durban City coach Eric Tinkler introduced a triple substitution, bringing on Tylo Sanger, Samkelo Maseko, and Bokang Mokwena to inject energy into a flagging midfield.
However, Sundowns boss Miguel Cardoso responded with calculated changes of his own, introducing Iqraam Rayners and Antonio Van Wyk after the hour mark. These adjustments paid immediate dividends. Matuludi doubled his tally in the 66th minute, ghosting into the box to meet an Aubrey Modiba delivery.
In the 79th minute, Siyanda Ndlovu turned provider for Rayners, who finished with the composure of a seasoned predator to make it 3-0.
Jean Lwamba capitalised on a rare defensive lapse in the 86th minute to pull a goal back for Durban City, a consolation that served only to briefly delay the final blow from the hosts.
In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Arthur Sales, another second-half introduction, displayed excellent vision to set up Van Wyk. The attacker made no mistake, rifling home the fourth goal.
Betway Premiership Results
Orlando Pirates 2-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Amazulu 1-0 Golden Arrows
Polokwane City 0-0 TS Galaxy
Kruger United 3-1 Richards Bay
Stellenbosch FC 0-2 Chippa United.